Cuatir Conservation Project - Angola Game Translocation 2022 - Wildlife Vets Namibia
We brought giraffes and kudus from Namibia to the Cuatir Conservation Project in south-eastern Angola. Join our journey by watching the video!
The capture
We started with the capture of the giraffes, who were darted from a helicopter with immobilizing drugs. Once the giraffe was down, the ground team quickly came in. The giraffe got a face mask, ear plugs and a halter on, and at the same time it received vitamins and a vaccination. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation helped us with placing solar GPS ear tags on, so the giraffes could easily be monitored in their new home. The giraffe was then woken up, and was walked to our field trailer. From the field trailer the giraffes were then loaded into the big giraffe trailer. The kudus were also darted from the helicopter. Once the kudu was down, we loaded it on a stretcher, onto a bakkie, and drove it to our truck. There it received vitamins, a vaccination and anti-parasite treatment and was woken up. The big advantage for us to dart animals is that we can specifically select young and healthy individuals. Young animals travel better, and have less problems adapting in a new area. Thanks to the capture team of Mount Etjo Safari Lodge the capture went very well and fast, and around lunchtime we had loaded all animals!
On the road
After we captured all animals, we drove non-stop to the Namibian-Angolan border. On these long translocations, limiting stress for the animals, making them as comfortable as possible and getting them to eat and drink while on the road are essential for success. We take several precautionary measures to achieve this. First of all, the animals receive a long-acting tranquilizer, which relieves anxiety/stress, reduces excitement and improves appetite. We further ensure that all the animals have enough space to move, and that they are able to lie down comfortably. When the night fell, we stopped at a quiet spot not far from the border. Here we gave water to the animals, and fed them with lucerne and camelthorn pods.
The next morning we were at the border and all Namibian border officials were already present, and the animals were inspected. Very quickly we got through the Namibian border. The Angolan border usually scares us a bit, as the procedure often takes long… But not this time! The Angolan border officials were super-fast, and within an hour or so we got through. This has been the most smooth and efficient border crossing ever!
The road in Angola was not long, but the road conditions were challenging... We passed sandy and muddy parts, potholes and had to switch from the main road to side roads several times. Since we had giraffes on board, we had to drive extra carefully. After it took us about 7 hours to cross 106 kilometers, we got to the river. As the last part of the trip consisted of heavy sandy roads, an enormous 6x6 truck hooked our trailer. We drove through the river, and the last 43 kilometers were even challenging for the 6x6, so we drove very slowly to the reserve. When we arrived, it was already dark, and decided to release the animals the next morning.
The release
The best moment of any translocation is the moment when you open the doors and the animals are released. After weeks of planning, preparation and sorting out paperwork - finally, the animals are able to roam free! We first released the giraffes, then the kudus. It is always such a great moment seeing the animals get off the truck in good condition! The Namibian animals will give the existing populations in the reserve a boost and enhance the genetic diversity.
We stayed a few days to check out this amazing reserve, and its beautiful! This area is to a large extend untouched by humans, and has a large variety of habitats; from the river to floodplains, to grasslands and a forest with ancient large trees. We got to see many bird- and wildlife species, and we are very sure the Namibian animals will adapt well.
A game translocation is truly is a team effort. We want to thank our employees Frederick and Romario and all others involved – from the Namibian and Angolese involved ministries and state veterinarians, those arranging permits, border officials and of course to the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge team for assisting with the capture and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation for supplying the solar GPS ear tags. A special word of thanks goes to the Cuatir team for their support and trust in our services! They manage an amazing reserve which is well worth a visit! Check out their website for more information: https://angola-uncharted-safar....i.com/cuatir-conserv
Visit our website www.wildlifevetsnamibia.com for more information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
Music used:
- Infraction; Spirit of War [STOP THE WAR]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEXlG_fQrbg
- Infraction; Storyteller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEXlG_fQrbg
- Infraction; Story of us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDMtam4-tYQ
